All Charlotte-area Circle K gas stations are about to offer a gas discount ahead of Memorial Day weekend as part of its “Fuel Day” event.

On Thursday, May 22, fuel prices will be reduced by 40 cents per gallon from 4-7 pm, with the discount automatically applied at the pump.

Customers enrolled in Circle K’s Inner Circle rewards program will have early access to the discount from 7 am – 3pm by entering the phone number associated with their membership at the pump.

In addition to the discount, Circle K announced it will donate 10% of profits from the three-hour Fuel Day event to the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation, an organization that provides college scholarships and educational support to children of military personnel who died in service.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport announced Friday that Etihad Airways will begin nonstop service to Abu Dhabi in May 2026, marking the first direct connection between Charlotte and the United Arab Emirates.

The route will operate four times weekly using Etihad’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, offering both Business and Economy cabins. Charlotte will become the airline’s sixth U.S. destination, joining New York, Chicago, Washington, Boston, and Atlanta, which launches this July.

“The addition of a direct flight to Abu Dhabi reinforces Charlotte as a world-class city,” Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles said in a press release. “These new, nonstop flights will be sure to welcome both increased tourism and new business to our region. We are honored to continue enhancing global access for our region’s residents while creating connections for new visitors to enjoy Charlotte’s amenities and entertainment.”

Flights from Charlotte are expected to depart in the early morning with midday returns, providing smooth connections through Etihad’s global hub at Zayed International Airport. Passengers will have one-stop access to destinations across the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, and Asia.

Travelers flying to Charlotte will benefit from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance in Abu Dhabi, allowing them to arrive as domestic passengers.

Flight time is estimated at 15 hours, with ticket prices starting around $1,500. Tickets are now available at etihad.com.

Charlotte Athletics will officially break ground on the first expansion phase of Jerry Richardson Stadium on Wednesday, August 27, at 11 am.

“The response to our expansion plans has been tremendous, and on August 27, those plans will begin to take shape as we officially begin construction,” UNCC Athletic Director Mike Hill said in a press release. “Over the next two seasons, with as little interruption to the game day experience as possible, our project team will be hard at work delivering a high-end, premium space and more seating capacity for Niner Nation.”

The $70 million project will expand the stadium’s seating capacity from 15,314 to approximately 18,170. It will also add new premium seating options, including luxury suites, loge boxes, ledge seating, and indoor club areas. Additional features include patio decks on both the east and west sides and upgraded dining facilities.

While construction is underway, Richardson Stadium will maintain its current capacity, but fans can expect temporary changes to the game-day experience. Gate 2 on the south side will be closed for much of the construction period, and some tailgating areas will be relocated.

The new stadium tower is designed to increase year-round usability by hosting community events and offering expanded facilities for student-athletes. Future phases of the expansion are expected to raise total capacity to 21,000.

For updates and ticket details, fans are encouraged to register at Charlotte49ers.com/StadiumExpansion.